JP2007537486A - Illumination system with separate light paths for different color channels - Google Patents

Abstract

  An illumination system is disclosed that includes different color illumination channels and at least one image forming device. Each illumination channel includes a group of light sources, and the image forming device is arranged to receive illumination from at least one of the illumination channels. At least one of the illumination channels includes an optical element such as an optical element having optical power or a homogenizing optical element and is not shared with any other illumination channel and is preferentially configured for the color of the illumination channel Or it is positioned preferentially.

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an illumination system for use in, for example, a projection system. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an illumination system having at least partially separated light paths for different color channels.

  A typical projection system typically includes a light source, illumination optics, one or more image forming devices, projection optics, and a projection screen. The illumination optical component condenses light from one or more light sources and directs the light to one or more image forming apparatuses in a predetermined manner. An image forming device controlled by an electronically adjusted and processed digital video signal or by other input data generates a video signal or an image corresponding to the data. The projection optics then enlarges the image and projects it onto the projection screen. White light sources such as arc lamps that work with color maintenance systems have been used as light sources for projection display systems and are still mainly used today. Recently, however, light emitting diodes (LEDs) have been introduced as an alternative. Some advantages of LED light sources include long life, high performance and good thermal properties.

  An example of an image forming apparatus frequently used in a projection system is a digital micromirror device or a digital light processing device (DLP). The main feature of DLP is a series of tiltable micromirrors. The tilt of each mirror is independently controlled by the data loaded in the memory cell associated with each mirror so that the mirror directs reflected light and spatially maps the pixels of the video data onto the pixels on the projection screen. It has become. The light reflected by the on-state mirror passes through the projection optics and is projected onto the screen to produce a bright area. On the other hand, the light reflected by the mirror in the off state is removed from the projection optical component and becomes a dark region. A color image may be generated with a single DLP by color sequencing or alternatively with three DLPs each illuminated with a primary color.

  Another example of the image forming apparatus is a liquid crystal panel such as a liquid crystal on silicon device (LCoS). In the liquid crystal panel, the orientation of the liquid crystal substance is controlled to increase (for each pixel) so as to be determined by data corresponding to the video signal. Depending on the orientation of the liquid crystal material, the polarization of the incident light can be changed by the liquid crystal structure. As described above, by appropriately using a polarizer or a polarizing beam splitter, a light / dark region corresponding to input video data can be generated. A color image is formed using a liquid crystal panel in the same manner as DLP, using a continuous color method with one LCoS device or using a separate LCoS device for each primary color.

  Another type of image forming apparatus is a high temperature polysilicon liquid crystal device (HTPS-LCD). The HTPS-LCD also includes a liquid crystal layer, and the orientation can be increased (for each pixel) as determined by data corresponding to the video signal. A liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between a glass substrate and an array of transparent electrodes, thereby adapting to a transmission operation. There is a fine thin film transistor at the corner of each HTPS-LCD pixel.

  The present disclosure relates to illumination systems that include illumination channels of different colors. Each illumination channel includes a light source group having at least one optical element having optical power. Such an illumination system also includes an image forming device arranged to receive illumination from at least one of the illumination channels. At least one of the optical elements of at least one of these illumination channels is not shared with other illumination channels, and the optical element is preferentially configured or preferentially positioned with respect to the color of the illumination channel Yes.

  The present disclosure further relates to an illumination system including a plurality of illumination channels of different colors, each illumination channel including a group of light sources. Such an illumination system has at least one optical element, which may be an optical element with optical power or a homogenizing optical element, arranged in one of the illumination channels, the optical element being the other illumination element. It is not shared with a channel and is preferentially configured or preferentially positioned with respect to the color of the illumination channel. These illumination systems further include an image forming device arranged to receive illumination from at least one of the illumination channels.

  The present disclosure also relates to an illumination system that includes a first color illumination channel and a second color illumination channel. The first color illumination channel includes a first light source group optically connected to the first image forming device, while the second color illumination channel is optically connected to the second image forming device. Second light source group. Such an illumination system also includes an optical element, such as an optical element having optical power or a homogenizing optical element, disposed in one of the illumination channels, which optical element is not shared with any other illumination channel. And preferentially configured or preferentially positioned relative to the color of the illumination channel.

  Further, the present disclosure is optically connected to a first color illumination channel that includes a first light source group, a second color illumination channel that includes a second light source group, and the first and second light source groups. The present invention relates to an illumination system including an image forming apparatus and an optical element system. The optical element system includes an integrator and a dichroic mirror disposed between the integrator and the first light source group that synthesizes the illumination of the first and second illumination channels. In such an illumination system, at least one of the light source groups includes a plurality of light sources and a plurality of optical elements, and the light sources and the optical elements are configured to form a plurality of inward channels.

  These and other aspects of the illumination system of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description together with the drawings.

  In order that those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will more readily understand how to make and use the present invention, exemplary embodiments thereof are described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide illumination for microdisplay projectors such that illumination channels for different colors are physically separated from at least a portion of a light path extending from a light source or group of light sources to an object to be illuminated. Can be provided. For example, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a portion of a three-panel projection system 10 that incorporates an exemplary illumination system 100 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, with an optical path for each color channel (here, red, green, and blue). Is not shared with other color channels. Specifically, exemplary lighting system 100 includes channels corresponding to the different primary colors illustrated in FIG. 1 as red channel 105, green channel 115, and blue channel 125. Illumination systems that use other color light sources and channels as appropriate for a particular application are also within the scope of this disclosure.

  The red channel 105 includes a red light source group 102 such as a red LED, a homogenizing optical element such as an integrator 104, a relay optical component 106 such as one or more lenses or other optical elements having optical power, and image formation. Device 108. While the exemplary projection system 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a transmissive imaging device such as a high temperature HTPS-LCD, other exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a reflective imaging device such as an LCoS device or DLP. Can do. The green channel 115 includes a green light source group 112 such as a green LED, a uniformizing optical element such as an integrator 114, a relay optical component 116 such as one or more lenses or other optical elements having optical power, and image formation. Device 118. Similarly, the blue channel 125 includes a blue light source group 122 such as a blue LED, a homogenizing optical element such as an integrator 124, a relay optical component 126 such as one or more lenses or other optical elements having optical power, And an image forming apparatus 128.

  Suitable integrators for use with suitable exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in US Pat. Nos. 5,625,738 and 6,332,688, The disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as long as there is no conflict. The integrator serves to equalize the output of light sources such as 102, 112, and 122. Examples of integrators suitable for use with the embodiments of the present disclosure include mirror tunnels, such as solid or hollow rectangular tunnels, or elongated glass rods that transmit light therein by total internal reflection. There is a tunnel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous shapes and combinations of shapes at the inlet and outlet ends of the integrator are within the scope of this disclosure. However, when an illumination target such as an image forming apparatus has a rectangular shape, it is particularly advantageous to use an integrator having a rectangular exit end having the same aspect ratio as the illumination target. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the relay optics 106, 116, and 126 are configured to image the exit ends of the integrators 104, 114, and 124 on the image forming devices 108, 118, and 128, respectively.

  With further reference to FIG. 1, the light transmitted and modulated by the red and blue imaging devices can be synthesized using a dichroic combiner 12, which can be or include one or more dichroic mirrors. In this exemplary embodiment, the dichroic combiner includes a dichroic mirror 12 that is configured to transmit in the red portion of the visible spectrum, but exhibit relatively high reflectivity in the blue portion of the visible spectrum. Light transmitted and modulated by the green image forming device can be added to the combined red and blue beams using mirror 16 and other dichroic mirrors 14. Dichroic mirror 14 is configured in this exemplary embodiment to transmit in the red and blue portions of the visible spectrum, but to exhibit a relatively high reflectivity in the green portion of the spectrum. The combined modulated red, green and blue beams are condensed by the projection optical component 18. Projection optics 18 may include one or more lenses for delivery to a screen (not shown) or to other optical elements, systems or devices for further processing.

  Exemplary light sources suitable for use in lighting systems constructed in accordance with the present disclosure as described above include LEDs. While LEDs with higher power are becoming available, many microdisplay projection lighting applications require a large number of LEDs in order to achieve sufficiently high illumination in an object plane such as a screen. A typical currently available single LED is usually not bright enough to illuminate a typical projection system. This effectively configures and arranges multiple LED arrays so that light from the LED assembly is efficiently collected within a given etendue and then directed to a specific illumination area within a given solid angle. It is important to be able to

  If the light source groups 102, 112, and 122 include LEDs or similar light sources, such light sources can be arranged in a variety of configurations, including arrays, clusters, and other suitable geometric arrangements. In suitable embodiments of the present disclosure, such light sources are arranged in a geometric relationship with respect to an integrator such as integrators 104, 114 and 124. 2A-4 schematically illustrate a suitable structure and arrangement of each light source group that allows efficient light collection. For example, FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show an LED or similar light source incorporated into an assembly of molded side reflectors having an LED or optical power. An exemplary shaped side reflector was assigned to the assignee of the present invention entitled “Side Reflector for Illumination Using Light Emitting Diode” filed Nov. 4, 2003. As described in assigned US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 701,201, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as long as it is not inconsistent with the present disclosure.

  FIG. 2A schematically illustrates an exemplary light source group 1440 having a shaped reflector body 1444 formed from six shaped reflector portions 1424. The shaped reflector portion may be hollow or solid and may have, for example, a reflective surface that coincides with at least a portion of an ellipse, paraboloid, or other type of rotating surface. Since the light sources 1402 are arranged with respect to the shaped reflector portion 1424, the light emitted by the light sources 1402 is reflected by the respective shaped reflector portions 1424 and illustrated in the illumination object 1450 as illustrated by the light rays 1446. Directed.

  FIG. 2B schematically represents a cross-section through the light source group configured as shown in FIG. 2A. The light source group 1500 has a shaped reflector body 1504 including shaped reflector portions 1504a and 1504b and light sources 1502a and 1502b. Each shaped reflector portion 1504a and 1504b is formed with a reflecting surface 1510a or 1510b that coincides with a rotating surface centered on the respective rotating shaft 1512a or 1512b. Light sources 1502a and 1502b emit light rays 1506a and 1506b toward shaped reflector portions 1504a and 1504b, which are reflected as light rays 1514a and 1514b. The light source axes 1508a and 1508b are typically non-parallel to the respective rotation axes 1512a and 1512b, and are positioned such that the rays 1514a and 1514b are directed to the illumination target 1516. Shaped reflectors 1504a and 1504b may be arranged symmetrically about axis 1518. The shafts 1512a and 1512b may or may not be orthogonal to the main body shaft 1518 at the same intersection, and may or may not form the same angle with respect to the main body shaft 1518.

  A group of light sources having a shaped reflector body can include a different number of shaped reflector portions and a different number of light sources. For example, FIG. 2C shows a light source having a shaped reflector body formed from four shaped reflector portions 1604 and four light sources 1602 arranged relative to the shaped reflector portion 1604 to provide light to the illumination object 1606. Group 1600 is shown. In a suitable embodiment of the present disclosure, the illumination object 1450, 1516 and 1606 may be the inlet end of an integrator, such as the integrator 104, 114 and 124.

  FIG. 3 schematically illustrates another exemplary light source group 1000, where an LED or similar light source is used in combination with an array of refractive elements and concentrators. An example of each such light source group is US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 776,152 filed Feb. 11, 2004 and owned by the same applicant entitled “Illumination System”. And US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 776,390 owned by the same applicant entitled “Light-Collecting Illumination System” filed on Feb. 11, 2004. ing. Both disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference unless inconsistent with the present disclosure.

  The light source group 1000 shown in FIG. 3 includes a set of light sources 1112 illustrated by light sources 1172, 1172 ′, 1172 ″ such as LEDs or similar light sources, and an optical element system 1115. The optical element system 1115 is an optical element system 1115. A first set of lenses 1114 including lenslets 1174, 1174 ′, 1174 ″, a second set of lenses 1116 including lenslets 1176, 1176 ′, 1176 ″, and plano-convex lenses or other types of lenses, etc. A pair of lenslets (one from set 1114 and one from set 1116, which may be a meniscus lens or other optical element with optical power) for each light source from set 1112. Depending on the application, desired system configuration, system dimensions and system output brightness, the number of light sources 1112 in each set may vary. The configuration, individual light source types, the number and type of sets 1114 and 1116 lenslets or other optical elements having optical power, and the number of sets are within the scope of this disclosure, for example, a set of light sources 1112. Each set of lenses 1114 and 1116 can be configured as a two-layer dense array, with other configurations suitably tracking substantially the configuration of each set of lenses, or having other suitable configurations. obtain.

  FIG. 4 schematically illustrates another example light source group 2000, in which an LED or similar light source is used in combination with a refractive array, an assembly of reflectors, or other optical elements having optical power to provide an integrator. Individual inward channels are formed, such as the inlet end 2104a of 2104, facing the object to be illuminated. An example of each such light source group is US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 776,152 filed Feb. 11, 2004 and owned by the same applicant entitled “Illumination System”. , And the US patent application owned by the same applicant entitled “Reshaping Light Source Modules and Illumination System Using the Same” filed on February 11, 2004 10 / 776,155. Both disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference unless inconsistent with the present disclosure.

  The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4 includes one or more optical elements associated with each light source, such as one or more lenses that direct and focus at least a portion of the light emission of the light source onto the illumination target. Has individual inward channels. Specifically, the light source group 2000 includes a set of light sources 2022 such as light sources 2072 and 2072 ′ and an optical element system 2025. The individual channels are directed, for example, by arranging a set of light sources 2022 tangentially and along the spherical surface. This can be accomplished, for example, by placing the light sources on a spherical surface, individually placing the light sources substantially tangentially to the phantom sphere, or any other suitable technique. The optical element system 2025 preferably utilizes an array of at least one refractive optical element such as lenses 2054, 2054 '. In such exemplary embodiments, the light source and associated refractive elements, such as light source 2072 and lens 2054, each form an inward channel.

  The number and type of light sources and associated optical elements can vary depending on the application, desired system configuration and system dimensions. For example, in other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, individual inward channels may be configured as described with reference to FIGS. In such an exemplary embodiment, the light source and associated shaped reflector portions (eg, light sources 1502a, 1502b and respective associated reflector portions 1504a, 1504b illustrated in FIG. 2B) can form individual inward channels.

  One technique for coupling more light to the integrator to increase the brightness of a lighting system that includes the integrator involves subdividing the inlet opening of the integrator, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. FIG. 5A shows a light source group 3100 combined with a subdivided aperture 3000, where the integrator 3104 has an inlet end 3104a subdivided by four prisms 3144a, 3144b, 3144c, and 3144d. In the subdivided aperture 3000, one facet (small plane) of each prism is disposed on the entrance end 3104a, and the other facet of each prism is a light source such as the array described with reference to FIGS. The light can be received from the array. In some exemplary openings 3000, the slopes (diagonal surfaces) of the prisms 3144a, 3144b, 3144c, and 3144d are covered with a reflective coating to form a reflective surface, and each coating can be, for example, a color specific reflectance Can be preferentially configured for a particular color. Exemplary light source group 3100 includes four light source subassemblies 3124a, 3124b, 3124c, and 3124d configured as shown in FIG. 2C. The four subassemblies are configured such that light from each of subassemblies 3124a, 3124b, 3124c and 3124d is directed to the open facets of prisms 3144a, 3144b, 3144c and 3144d, respectively, reflected at the slope of the prism, and further at entrance end 3104a. And is directed to the integrator 3104.

  FIG. 5B shows another exemplary configuration of the light source group 4100 in combination with the subdivided aperture 4000, where the integrator 4104 has an inlet end 4104a subdivided by four prisms 4144a, 4144b, 4144c, and 4144d. In the subdivided aperture 4000, one facet of each prism is disposed substantially perpendicular to the plane of the inlet end 4104a of the integrator 4104, and the other facet of each prism faces away from the inlet end 4104a. ing. The slope of each prism can receive and reflect light from the light source group as described with reference to FIGS. In some exemplary arrangements 4000, the slopes of prisms 4144a, 4144b, 4144c, and 4144d are coated with a reflective coating to form a reflective surface, and each of the coatings is identified by having, for example, a color specific reflectance Can be preferentially configured for different colors. Exemplary light source group 4100 includes four light source subassemblies 4124a, 4124b, 4124 and 4124d configured as shown in FIG. 2C. The four subassemblies have light from each of subassemblies 4124a, 4124b, 4124, and 4124d directed to the slopes of prisms 4144a, 4144b, 4144c, and 4144d, respectively, and the surfaces of the prism slopes from the respective light source subassemblies. It arrange | positions so that the received light may be reflected and may reach the integrator 4104 through the entrance end 4104a.

  FIG. 5C shows another group of light sources 5100 in combination with a subdivided aperture 5000 having three prisms 5144a, 5144b, and 5144c disposed on the inlet end 5104a of the integrator 5104, and a portion of the inlet end 5104. An open portion 5104d is formed with a gap. One facet of each prism is disposed on the entrance end 5104a, while the other facet of each prism can receive light from the light source group as described with reference to FIGS. In some exemplary arrangements 5000, the slopes of prisms 5144a, 5144b, and 5144c are coated with a reflective coating to form a reflective surface, and each coating has a specific color, for example by having a color specific reflectance. Can be preferentially configured.

  The light source group 5100 includes four light source subassemblies 5124a, 5124b, 5124, and 5124d configured as shown in FIG. 2C, which light is directed to the open rectangular facets of prisms 5144a, 5144b, and 5144c, respectively. It is arranged so as to be reflected by the surface of the inclined surface of the surface and directed toward the integrator 5104 through the inlet end 5104a. The fourth subassembly 5124d is positioned such that its light is directed to the open portion 5104d and enters the integrator 5104. If the integrator is solid, the open portion 5104d may be coated with an anti-reflective coating that is preferentially configured for illumination of a particular color, for example by having a color specific transmission. Subassembly 5124d is preferably disposed substantially along the long axis of integrator 5104.

  Although the drawing shows subdivision into four sub-openings, those skilled in the art will recognize that other sub-openings can be subdivided and such subdivision openings are within the scope of this disclosure. Is easy to understand. The prism configuration and size may also vary depending on the particular application, integrator size and shape, light source group size and shape, and other factors. For example, the use of inverted trapezoidal and square prisms in subdivided openings is within the scope of this disclosure. Some exemplary embodiments can include a mirror or other suitable component having a reflective surface (mirror or TIR) that subdivides the inlet end of the integrator and has such a mirror or reflective surface. Other suitable components can be preferentially configured for illumination of a particular color, for example by utilizing a color specific reflection or antireflection coating.

  In addition, the configuration of the light source groups, such as the configuration, number and arrangement of the light source group subassemblies, can vary to suit a particular application. In the exemplary subdivision arrangement described herein, a prism, mirror or other component having a reflective surface may be mounted in a suitable housing in front of the integrator inlet end, for example, using an adhesive. it can. In some exemplary embodiments, prisms, mirrors, or other components can be mounted in the integrator housing. Alternatively, they can be attached to a solid integrator with a suitable transparent adhesive, or integrally formed as part thereof.

  Another exemplary arrangement of light sources for an integrator is shown in FIG. 6A. Such an exemplary arrangement is that of the present invention, assigned by Magalill et al., Attorney docket number 59729US002, entitled “Illumination System With Non-Radial Symmetrical Aperture”. Which are assigned to the assignee and described in a co-pending US patent application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. FIG. 6A shows an exemplary illumination system 90 that includes a light source group 92, optional additional collection optics 94, an integrator 96, a relay optics 98, and an image forming device 97. The exemplary integrator 96 has a generally square inlet end 96a and a generally rectangular outlet end 96b.

  In some embodiments, the inlet end 96a has an aspect ratio of about 1: 1 and the outlet end 96b has an aspect ratio of about 16: 9, so the inlet end aspect ratio is typically a currently available LED. And the exit end aspect ratio substantially matches the aspect ratio of typical currently available image forming devices such as LCoS or DLP. Other exemplary embodiments may include integrators having differently shaped inlet ends, such as a rectangle having at least one dimension that is smaller than the corresponding dimension of the outlet end, and other aspect ratio outlet ends. In some exemplary embodiments, the relay optic 98 is configured to image the exit end of the integrator 96 b onto the image forming device 97. In most embodiments, the long dimension of the outlet end 96b should be substantially aligned with the long dimension of the image forming device 97.

  Still referring to FIG. 6A, the light source group 92 is aligned such that the short dimension A is substantially aligned along the Y axis of the system 90 and the long dimension B is substantially aligned along the X axis of the system 90. In addition, it is configured to have a generally elliptical non-radial symmetric opening 93. In this exemplary embodiment, the long dimensions of integrator outlet end 96b and imaging device 97 are aligned substantially along the X axis of system 90, while their short dimensions are substantially aligned with system 90 Y. Aligned along the axis. Such an arrangement is a non-radially symmetric angular intensity distribution illumination having large and small angular dimensions as illustrated as 93a in the space of the integrator inlet end 96a corresponding to the general shape of the opening 93. Generate rays. In such an exemplary embodiment, the larger angular dimension of the angular intensity distribution must be substantially aligned with the larger dimension of the integrator outlet end 96b. Due to its geometrical configuration, the integrator 96 generates light rays to emerge from the exit end 96b as light rays with a more radially symmetric angular intensity distribution, as shown as 93b. A more radially symmetric angular distribution at the exit end of the integrator is usually desirable in a projection system to avoid clipping of light rays by projection optics, which are usually substantially circular contrasts.

  In an exemplary embodiment where the integrator has other shapes at the inlet and outlet ends, the integrator includes a larger angular dimension of the angular intensity distribution of illumination at the inlet end of the integrator that increases more from the inlet end to the outlet end. It must be aligned substantially along the plane. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the larger increasing direction is oriented substantially along the X axis, where the side of the generally square inlet end 96a of the integrator 96 is substantially rectangular of the integrator 96. The outlet end 96b is deformed to the longer side.

  An exemplary configuration of a light source group 192 suitable for use in the system having the non-radial symmetric aperture illustrated in FIG. 6A is presented in FIG. 6B. The light source group 192 includes a set of light sources 120 such as light sources 172, 172 ′, 172 ″, a first set of refractive optical elements 140 such as meniscus lenses 174, 174 ′, 174 ″, planoconvex or biconvex lenses 176, 176 ′, 176 ″, etc., and a second set of refractive elements 160. In some exemplary embodiments, the first set of elements 140 includes lenses having a generally circular profile, while the second set. The element 160 has a substantially square or hexagonal outer shape so that it can be made dense to minimize gap areas, as shown in Fig. 6B, a set of light sources 120 and a first set of refractions. The element 140 and the second set of refracting elements 160 are arranged so as to form an opening having a substantially elliptical outer shape, and each such light source group is individually described as described with reference to FIG. Form an inward channel However, a variety of suitable light sources and a variety of optical elements having optical power such as refractive and reflective optical elements of different shapes and sizes may be used in suitable embodiments of the present disclosure. obtain.

  Another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIG. FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a portion of a three-panel projection system 20 incorporating an exemplary illumination system 200, where at least a portion of the light path for each color channel (here, red, green, and blue) is the other. Not shared with color channel. Specifically, exemplary lighting system 200 includes channels corresponding to different primary colors illustrated in FIG. 7 as red channel 205, green channel 215, and blue channel 225. Illumination systems that use other color light sources and channels as appropriate for a particular application are also within the scope of this disclosure.

  The red channel 205 includes a red light source group (not shown) such as a red LED, a uniformizing optical element such as an integrator 204, and relay optical components such as lenses 206a and 206b or other optical elements having optical power, A folding mirror 207 and an image forming apparatus 208 are included. Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the exemplary projection system 20 includes a transmissive imaging device such as an HTPS-LCD. The green channel 215 includes a green light source group (not shown) such as a green LED, a uniformizing optical element such as an integrator 214, relay optical components such as lenses 216a and 216b or other optical elements having optical power, An image forming apparatus 218. Similarly, the blue channel 225 includes a blue light source group (not shown) such as a blue LED, a uniformizing optical element such as an integrator 224, and relay optical components such as lenses 226a and 226b or other optical elements having optical power. And a folding mirror 227 and an image forming apparatus 228. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the relay optic is configured to image the exit ends of the integrators 204, 214, and 224 onto the illumination objects 208, 218, and 228.

  Light transmitted and modulated by the red, green and blue imaging devices can be combined using a dichroic combiner 24, which is a cross dichroic such as a known combiner composed of right angle prisms coated with a dichroic coating. A combiner is preferred. The combined modulated red, green and blue beams are then projected by a projection optics 28 such as one or more lenses for delivery to a screen (not shown) or to other optical elements or devices for further processing. Focused.

  FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure that is particularly advantageous for use with a reflective imaging device such as LCoS. FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a portion of a three-panel projection system 30 that incorporates an exemplary illumination system 300, where at least a portion of the light path for each color channel (here red, green, and blue) is the other. Not shared with color channel. Specifically, exemplary lighting system 300 includes channels corresponding to the different primary colors illustrated in FIG. 8 as red channel 305, green channel 315, and blue channel 325. Illumination systems that use other color light sources and channels as appropriate for a particular application are also within the scope of this disclosure.

  The red channel 305 includes a red light source group (not shown) such as a red LED, a uniformizing optical element such as an integrator 304, and relay optical components such as the relay lenses 306a and 306b or other optical elements having optical power. A polarizing beam splitter 309 and an image forming apparatus 308. The relay lens 306b may be truncated as shown to achieve a smaller system. The green channel 315 includes a green light source group (not shown) such as a green LED, a uniformizing optical element such as an integrator 314, and relay optical components such as lenses 316a and 316b or other optical elements having optical power, A folding mirror 317, a polarization beam splitter 319, and an image forming apparatus 318 are included. Similarly, the blue channel 325 includes a blue light source group (not shown) such as a blue LED, a uniformizing optical element such as an integrator 324, and relay optical components such as lenses 326a and 326b or other optical elements having optical power. And a polarization beam splitter 329 and an image forming apparatus 328.

  Polarizing beam splitters are useful in exemplary projection systems that include imaging devices that require polarization for proper operation, such as LCoS. A Cartesian polarizing beam splitter suitable for use with a suitable exemplary projection system of the present disclosure is described, for example, in US Pat. No. 6,486,997 to Bruzzone et al. The disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as long as it is not inconsistent. Such Cartesian polarizing beam splitters typically include a reflective polarizer encased in a glass cube. Alternatively, a conventional MacNeille or other suitable polarizing beam splitter can be used.

  Both the green channel 315 and the blue channel 325 include a multidirectional optical element 330 disposed at the intersection of the green and blue beams. Such a multi-directional optical element has been assigned to the assignee of the present invention, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, entitled “Multi-Directional Optical Element”, entitled “Multi-Directional Optical Element” by Magalill et al. As described in co-pending US patent application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. A multidirectional optical element 330 configured for use in the system 30 of FIG. 8 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 9A and 9B. 9A shows a perspective view of the multidirectional optical element 330, and FIG. 9B shows a cross-sectional view having a cross section along the direction shown in FIG. 9A.

  The multi-directional optical element has side surfaces 352 and 356 generally disposed opposite each other along a first general direction and side surfaces 354 and 358 generally disposed opposite each other along a second general direction. Sides 352 and 354 may be adjacent to each other and may have a first radius of curvature, while sides 356 and 358 may be adjacent to each other and may have a second radius of curvature. Multi-directional optical element 330 may also have two opposing side surfaces 353 and 355 that are generally positioned opposite each other along a third direction. Sides 352 and 354 can have different radii of curvature, and side surfaces 356 and 358 can be similar. Opposing side surfaces 353 and 355 can be substantially flat or curved, depending on the application. In some embodiments, the side surfaces 353 and 355 have a mounting surface structure such as a convex portion, a concave portion, or both formed in an appropriate shape.

  In the exemplary illustrated embodiment of multidirectional element 330, side surfaces 352 and 354 are convex while side surfaces 356 and 358 are concave. In some embodiments, the multi-directional optical element 330 allows light incident on the side 356 to exit the opposing side 352 and travel generally along the first direction, while light incident on the side 358 is opposite the opposing side 354. It is comprised so that it may radiate | emit from and may advance along a 2nd direction generally. In an exemplary embodiment, the light travels through the multidirectional element in two different directions along substantially equivalent optical paths and is refracted in substantially the same way. The two directions are preferably at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to each other as illustrated by axes X and Y in FIG. 9B, but other directions between the two directions may be useful for a particular system configuration. Angles are also within the scope of this disclosure. Also, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, light may travel in the multidirectional element 330 along a third direction, such as side 353 to side 355 or vice versa.

  Since illumination from different channels travels in different directions within the multidirectional element, the multidirectional element 330 can be preferentially configured for a particular color of such channel. For example, multidirectional element 330 may include a color-specific green anti-reflective coating on at least one of sides 356 and 352 and a color-specific blue anti-reflective coating on at least one of sides 354 and 358. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the curvature of any one or more sides can be different for different colors to more effectively reduce chromatic aberration. In this way, the multi-directional optical element 330 helps to reduce vignetting, helps to make a smaller system, and can help with the color-specific preferential configuration of the illumination channel.

  In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the relay optics are configured to image the exit ends of the respective integrators 304, 314, and 324 onto the image forming devices 308, 318, and 328, respectively. Light modulated by the red, green, and blue image forming devices 308, 318, and 328 can be combined using the cross dichroic combiner 34 described with reference to FIG. The combined modulated red, green and blue beams are then collected by projection optics 38 for delivery to a screen (not shown) or to other optical elements or devices for further processing.

  Some embodiments of the present disclosure are configured such that light from more than one color channel is delivered to a single image forming device. Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a portion of a one-panel projection system 40 that incorporates an exemplary illumination system 400 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, with the light path for each color channel (here, red, green, and blue). At least some are not shared with other color channels. Specifically, exemplary lighting system 400 includes channels corresponding to the different primary colors illustrated in FIG. 10 as red channel 405, green channel 415, and blue channel 425. Illumination systems that use other color light sources and channels as appropriate for a particular application are also within the scope of this disclosure.

  The red channel 405 includes a red light source group (not shown) such as a red LED, a uniformizing optical element such as an integrator 404, and a dichroic mirror 434. The green channel 415 includes a green light source group (not shown) such as a green LED, a uniformizing optical element such as an integrator 414, and dichroic mirrors 432 and 434. Similarly, the blue channel 425 includes a blue light source group (not shown) such as a blue LED, a uniformizing optical element such as an integrator 424, and dichroic mirrors 432 and 434. The dichroic mirror 432 is configured to transmit in the green part of the visible spectrum, but to exhibit a relatively high reflectance in the blue part of the visible spectrum. Therefore, the dichroic mirror 432 transmits the green light emitted from the green integrator 414 while reflecting the blue light emitted from the blue integrator 424 to form a combined beam of green and blue light incident on the dichroic mirror 434. Similarly, dichroic mirror 434 transmits in the green and blue portions of the visible spectrum, but exhibits a relatively high reflectivity in the red portion of the visible spectrum. Therefore, the dichroic mirror 434 transmits green and blue light emitted from the green and blue integrators, while reflecting red light emitted from the red integrator 404 to form a combined beam of green, blue and red light.

  The illumination system 400 of the projection system 40 includes a relay optical component such as the relay lenses 45a and 45b or other optical elements having optical power, a folding mirror 47 disposed between the relay lenses 45a and 45b, and a TIR prism. It further includes an assembly 44 and an image forming apparatus 46 such as a DLP. Projection system 40 further includes projection optics 48. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the illumination system may be configured such that the relay optic images the exit ends of the integrators 404, 414 and 424 onto the image forming device 46. The TIR prism assembly 44 serves to redirect the light emitted from the relay optical component onto the image forming apparatus 46, for example, by reflection at the interface 44a. Light modulated by the image forming apparatus 46 passes through the TIR prism assembly 44 and by projection optics 48 for delivery to a screen (not shown) or to other optical elements or devices for further processing. Focused.

  Another exemplary embodiment of a one panel projection system is illustrated in FIG. FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a portion of a one-panel projection system 50 that incorporates an exemplary illumination system 500 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, with the light path for each color channel (here red, green, and blue). At least some are not shared with other color channels. Specifically, exemplary lighting system 500 includes channels corresponding to the different primary colors illustrated in FIG. 11 as red channel 505, green channel 515, and blue channel 525. Illumination systems that use other color light sources and channels as appropriate for a particular application are also within the scope of this disclosure.

  The red channel 505 includes a red light source group 502 such as a red LED and a dichroic mirror 534. The green channel 515 includes a green light source group 512 such as a green LED and dichroic mirrors 532 and 534. Similarly, the blue channel 525 includes a blue light source group 522 such as a blue LED and dichroic mirrors 532 and 534. Similar to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the dichroic mirror 532 is configured to transmit in the green portion of the visible spectrum, but exhibit a relatively high reflectivity in the blue portion of the visible spectrum. Therefore, the dichroic mirror 532 transmits the green light emitted from the green light source group 512, while reflecting the blue light emitted from the blue light source group 522, and forms a combined beam of green and blue light incident on the dichroic mirror 534.

  Similarly, the dichroic mirror 534 is configured to transmit in the green and blue portions of the visible spectrum, but exhibit relatively high reflectivity in the red portion of the visible spectrum. Therefore, the dichroic mirror 534 transmits the green and blue light incident from the light source groups 512 and 522, while reflecting the red light emitted from the red light source group 502 and entering the entrance of the common integrator 52. A combined beam of red light is formed. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, each light source group is configured as illustrated and described with reference to FIG. 4, but other suitable configurations of light source groups are illustrated in FIGS. And may be used with this or other embodiments of the present disclosure, including those described with reference thereto. Such a surface is preferred because it is centered at the inlet end of the integrator 52 if the light source and associated refractive element are generally arranged along a sphere and tangentially.

  The illumination system 500 of the projection system 50 includes a relay optical component such as the relay lenses 55a and 55b or other optical elements having optical power, a folding mirror 57 disposed between the relay lenses 55a and 55b, and a TIR prism. It further includes an assembly 54 and an image forming apparatus 56 such as a DLP. Projection system 50 further includes projection optics 58. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the system may be configured such that the relay optic images the exit end of the integrator 52 onto the image forming device 56. The TIR prism assembly 54 serves to redirect the light emitted from the relay optical component onto the image forming apparatus 56, for example, by reflection at the facet 54a. One or more of the light modulated by the image forming device 56 passes through the TIR prism assembly 54 and is sent to a screen (not shown) or to other optical elements or devices for further processing. The light is collected by projection optics 58, which may or may not include any other lens.

  In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure that uses a dichroic mirror upstream of the image forming apparatus, for example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the dichroic mirror is disposed in a telecentric space to avoid color non-uniformity or color shift. Help. In addition, the exemplary illumination system of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, can reduce the angular orientation of the dichroic mirror to a relatively small incident angle range, usually reduce reflection and transmission wavelength shifts due to polarization, for example about 2 degrees or less. Can be configured.

  In an exemplary embodiment using a light source group having a non-radiating symmetric aperture as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the long dimension of the light source group is shown as R in FIG. 11 in a system similar to that shown in FIG. It must be arranged substantially parallel to the rotation (tilt) axis of the dichroic mirror and oriented generally perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. Such an orientation and arrangement illustrated in more detail in FIG. 11A is desirable because the long dimension of the light source group corresponds to a large angle of the incident light cone. Reducing the variation of the incident angle on the dichroic mirror can help to reduce the color shift.

  In addition, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure allow for the use of dichroic components at the glass / air interface. This is advantageous because in such a configuration, the dependency of the reflection characteristic of light having random polarization on the incident angle is reduced, leading to more efficient color synthesis. To illustrate this concept, FIG. 12A represents a graph showing the reflectance versus wavelength of random polarization, demonstrating the performance of a typical dichroic coating on a parallel plate for two light cones of about 12 ° and about 24 °. . As shown in FIG. 12B, the flat plate was oriented at an angle θ of about 45 degrees with respect to the principal ray of illumination. As is apparent from FIG. 12A, the dichroic performance (or the ability to separate light depending on the wavelength) is slightly deteriorated as the cone angle of incident light increases. On the other hand, the performance of typical solid glass dichroic combiners is generally inferior to light with random polarization incident at an angle of about 45 degrees.

  As described above, an exemplary lighting system configured in accordance with the present disclosure has different color channels such that at least a portion of the light path for each color channel (here, red, green, and blue) is not shared with other color channels. It has become. Thus, optical elements that are not shared by different color channels do not need to be color corrected for the colors of the different channels, thus allowing significant cost savings and increased manufacturability. Furthermore, an optical element or optical element system in the optical path of only one color channel can be preferentially configured, preferentially positioned or both for the color of the illumination channel.

  In the context of the present disclosure, the terms “preferentially configured” and “preferentially positioned” encompass any feature or positioning of the optical element to which they refer, and the transparency of a particular color channel or Improve performance such as aberration correction at least to some extent. That is, an optical element is preferentially configured with respect to the color of the illumination channel if such an element, if any, is configured or positioned as a corresponding element of another illumination channel and the performance of that channel degrades. Or preferentially positioned. For example, color-specific that can increase throughput by about 8% compared to integrators coated with the currently available broadband reflective SILFLEX-VIS® coating developed by the Unaxis Company By coating with a coating, integrators can be preferentially configured for their respective illumination channel colors.

  Additionally or alternatively, optical elements having optical power, such as refractive and reflective elements shown and described herein, may be color-specific antireflective or other coatings that may improve the transmission of light through the system. It can be preferentially configured by coating. Furthermore, such optical elements or optical element systems that are not shared by different color channels are preferentially configured or preferentially positioned with respect to their respective channel colors by having different configurations for different colors. Can do. For example, the shape, position and / or number of optical elements can be different in different color channels to reduce aberrations. As such, the present disclosure allows for increased flexibility to improve the brightness of illumination systems, such as illumination systems for projection applications.

  Illumination systems typical in applications such as projection television must use light with a proportion of red, green and blue primary color components to provide the desired color temperature on the screen. One of the components is often a limiting factor for system performance. In some exemplary illumination systems having at least partially separated light paths for different color channels, additional brightness is achieved by including light sources (or groups of light sources) of different tones within the wavelength range of a particular color channel can do. Each such light source or group of light sources has a different peak wavelength and their illumination can be synthesized with a wavelength selective element such as a dichroic mirror or with a diffractive optical component such as a diffraction grating. Any light source having a relatively narrow spectrum can be used, such as LEDs, lasers or fluorescent materials.

  FIG. 13 illustrates the modeled transmission and reflection performance characteristics of a dichroic mirror suitable for combining different gradations of green LEDs into the same color channel. As described for combining different color illuminations in the appropriate exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, such illumination can be combined by suitably placing such dichroic mirrors between the LED groups. . The dichroic mirror was modeled as a 32-layer thin film coating with a chief ray incident angle of about 45 degrees and an incident light cone of about ± 6 degrees. This transmission and reflection curve is shown for p-polarized light suitable for LCoS systems and other systems using polarized light. FIG. 14 shows the spectra of two groups of green LEDs of different gradations before (solid line) and after (dotted line) a dichroic mirror having the performance illustrated in FIG. The two LED spectra shown can be compared to Luxeon® LXHL-PM09 green available from Lumileds Lighting Company so that the average wavelength of the combined spectrum can provide the desired color. It was generated by shifting the measured spectrum from the emitter as needed.

  FIG. 15 shows N groups of LEDs with different color gradations having an offset peak wavelength synthesized by a dichroic mirror with a light emission spectrum (solid line) of a group including any number N of green LEDs of the same type. Represents a comparison with the spectra of two groups (dotted lines) having. By combining the two groups of LEDs in this manner, a net gain in overall lumen throughput as illustrated in FIG. 16 can be achieved. FIG. 16 shows a plot representing the calculated fine increase in net flux achieved by combining the two groups of LEDs having the performance illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 as a function of the peak spacing of the LED spectrum. The different curves are a model of a dichroic mirror that acts as an idealized step filter, a dichroic mirror that acts as a real filter for a half-angle cone of about 6 degrees, and a dichroic mirror that acts as a real filter for a half-angle cone of about 12 degrees. Corresponding to optimization performance

  It was found that the calculated slight increase in the net luminous flux increased as the peak interval increased from about 0 to about 4 nm. Thus, for the modeled exemplary light source characterized in FIGS. 13-15 (about 20 nm peak spacing and about 6 degree cone half-angle), about 22% more lumens by the illumination system using different tones of LEDs. Is provided. It has been found that the LED peak spacing can be increased to 40 nm before the color coordinates of the green channel do not reach the guidelines defined by the SMPTEC C colorimetry. Thus, more light can be coupled into the system at the expense of a certain amount of color saturation than by generating a broader combined spectrum than the spectrum of the individual light sources. Because the spectrum of a single typical high-brightness LED is usually narrow enough that the resulting channel color saturation is better than that required for typical projection television applications, the extra spectrum Regions may be used to combine light from additional LEDs of different gradations. In doing so, the width of the combined spectrum must be balanced against the acceptable level of color saturation.

  An exemplary lighting system may be configured according to the present disclosure, based on FIG. 8, with red, green, and blue channels and with the following exemplary parameters determined by modeling. As illustrated and described with reference to FIG. 5C, a green light source group is configured and arranged with respect to the integrator 314. Each reflector assembly configured as shown in FIG. 2C includes four LED light sources 1602, such as a Luxeon® III emitter, LXHL-PM09, available from Lumileds Lighting Company. including. The subdivided opening as shown in FIG. 5C includes three right angle prisms having a dimension of about 4.5 × 4.5 × 4.5 mm of material BK7 disposed in front of the inlet opening of integrator 314. The oblique reflective surface of the prism is coated with a green reflective coating such as a dielectric or metallic reflective coating.

  Here, the substantially elliptical and acrylic reflector may be hollow or solid. Both exemplary elliptical reflectors have substantially the same shape of the coated reflective surface with a radius of about 10.8 mm and a cone coefficient of about -0.64. The large half diameter of the elliptical reflector is about 30 mm, the small half diameter is about 18 mm, and the LED is located on the major axis of the ellipse, about 24 mm from its center, and at the main focus of the reflector. Each reflector portion is formed by cutting a quarter of an ellipse at about 20 degrees from the major axis. In a solid green reflector, a notch with a radius of about 2.8 mm is made to accommodate the placement of the LED, and the reflector has a radius of about 24 mm centered at the second focus. It is truncated along the spherical surface. The second focal point of the elliptical reflector must be in the center of the entrance side, such as the facet of the corresponding prism, or in the center of the opening at the integrator entrance end.

  The blue and red channels have each light source group configured similar to that shown in FIG. Each group of red and blue light sources consists of a Luxeon (R) emitter for the red channel, LXHL-PD01, and a Luxeon (R) III emitter for the blue channel, LXHL-PR09, etc. Includes LEDs. Here, the substantially elliptical and acrylic red and blue reflectors may be hollow or solid. Both exemplary elliptical reflectors have substantially the same shape of the coated reflective surface with a radius of about 10.5 mm and a cone coefficient of about −0.723. The large half diameter of the elliptical reflector is about 38 mm, the small half diameter is about 20 mm, and the LED is placed on the major axis of the ellipse about 32.1 mm from its center. Each reflector portion is formed by truncating a quarter of the ellipse at about 18 degrees from the major axis. In a solid green reflector, a notch with a radius of about 2.8 mm is made to accommodate the placement of the LED, and the reflector is about 32.31 mm centered at the second focal point. It is truncated along a spherical surface having a radius. The second focal point of the elliptical reflector must be in the center of the respective integrator inlet end.

  All integrators in this exemplary embodiment have the same geometry, an inlet end of about 9.0 × 9.0 mm, a length of about 75.0 mm, and an outlet end of about 9.0 × 16.0 mm. However, integrators for different color channels are made with different color specific coatings preferentially configured for specific color illumination. Additional folding mirrors can be inserted in the blue channel between the relay lens 326b and the 4-side element 330 and in the red channel between the relay lenses 306a and 306b. Tables 1-5 below show other exemplary optical system parameters for the green, blue and red channels.

  Alternatively, the general layout of the lighting system shown in FIG. 8 with red, green and blue channels is configured for each integrator as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B and Arranged, green Luxeon® III emitter, LXHL-PM09, red Luxeon® emitter, LXHL-PD01, and blue Luxeon® III emitter, LXHL- It can be expanded to include each group of LED light sources, such as PR09. Each of the red, green, and blue light source groups is substantially configured as shown in FIG. 6B and includes 13 LEDs each arranged along a spherical surface. First and second lenses, such as 174 and 176, are placed in front of each LED as shown. The distance from the vertex of each second lens to the center of the integrator inlet end 96a is about 50.0 mm. Other design parameters for LED groups and integrators are presented in Table 6.

  Each light source group is arranged on a spherical surface by rotating an LED having associated first and second lenses of the concentrator subassembly about the integrator entrance window. The rotation angles in the XZ and YZ planes are shown in Table 7 in degrees.

  All integrators in this exemplary embodiment have the same geometry, an inlet end of about 6.1 × 6.1 mm, a length of about 50.0 mm, and an outlet end of about 6.1 × 10.7 mm. Integrators for different color channels are manufactured with different color specific coatings that are preferentially configured for a particular color. Additional folding mirrors can be inserted in the blue channel between the relay lens 326b and the four side element 330 and in the red channel between the relay lenses 306a and 306b. Tables 8-5 below show other exemplary optical system parameters for the green, blue and red channels.

  Lighting systems constructed in accordance with the present disclosure have various advantages. For example, such an illumination system has a longer life compared to conventional high pressure mercury arc lamps, has a lower cost, has better environmental characteristics, and does not emit infrared or ultraviolet light, thus the need for UV filters and cold mirrors Is particularly advantageous for use with LED light sources that eliminate In addition, the LEDs are driven with low voltage DC power, which produces less electrical interference in sensitive display electronics compared to the high voltage AC ballast that drives the arc lamp. Furthermore, due to their relatively narrow bandwidth, LEDs provide better color saturation without sacrificing brightness.

  Although the lighting system of the present disclosure has been described with reference to particular exemplary embodiments, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the dimensions and configuration of the optical element system used in various embodiments of the present disclosure can vary depending on the particular application and the nature and dimensions of the object to be illuminated. The present disclosure is also intended to exclude and include additional optical elements in exemplary embodiments of illumination systems constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, as is known to those skilled in the art. For example, some embodiments of the present disclosure may include additional optical elements having one or more optical powers, folding mirrors, TIR prisms, PBSs, and polarizers.

  Also, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be used with various components of each light source group, including but not limited to the configurations shown in FIGS. I can do it. In addition, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with a variety of light sources. Such light sources include other color LEDs, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL) and other types of laser diodes, fluorescent light sources and other suitable light emitting devices.

1 schematically illustrates a portion of a three panel projection system incorporating an exemplary illumination system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an exemplary group of light sources suitable for use in several lighting systems constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, including a shaped reflector body formed from six shaped reflector portions. FIG. 2B schematically shows a cross section through the light source group configured as shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an exemplary group of light sources suitable for use in several illumination systems constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, including a shaped reflector body formed from four shaped reflector portions. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary group of light sources suitable for use in some illumination systems constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, where an LED or similar light source is used in combination with a refractive array and a collector. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary group of light sources suitable for use in some illumination systems constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, where LEDs or similar light sources are used in combination with a refractive array to form an inward channel. Shown in Fig. 4 shows an exemplary arrangement of light sources in combination with a subdivided aperture using four prisms. Fig. 4 shows an exemplary arrangement of light sources in combination with other subdivided apertures using four prisms. Fig. 4 shows an exemplary arrangement of light sources in combination with a subdivided aperture using three prisms. Fig. 5 shows another exemplary arrangement of light sources for an integrator. FIG. 6A illustrates in greater detail an exemplary configuration of light sources suitable for use in the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a portion of another three-panel projection system that incorporates an exemplary illumination system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a portion of another three-panel projection system that incorporates an exemplary illumination system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a multidirectional optical element. 9B schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the multidirectional optical element shown in FIG. 9A along directions 9B-9B. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a portion of a one-panel projection system incorporating an exemplary illumination system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a portion of another one-panel projection system that incorporates an exemplary illumination system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary group of light sources having a non-radiating symmetric aperture as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B for a dichroic mirror in a system similar to that illustrated in FIG. FIG. 4 represents a graph showing reflectivity versus wavelength of random polarization demonstrating the performance of a dichroic reflective coating on a parallel plate for two light cones of about 12 ° and about 24 °. 12D schematically illustrates the orientation of the dichroic reflective coating characterized in FIG. 12A with respect to incident illumination. Figure 4 illustrates the modeled transmission and reflection performance characteristics of a dichroic combiner suitable for combining different gradations of green LEDs into the same color channel. FIG. 14 shows the spectra of two groups of green LEDs of different gray levels, before (solid line) and after (dotted line), a dichroic combiner having the performance illustrated in FIG. Fig. 4 represents a comparison between the emission spectrum of a group of green LEDs of the same type (solid line) and the spectrum of two groups of LEDs of different color gradations with offset peak wavelengths synthesized in dichroic (dotted line). FIG. 16 shows a plot representing the net increase in light flux achieved by combining two groups of LEDs having the performance illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 as a function of LED spectral peak spacing. FIG.

Claims (86)

A plurality of illumination channels of different colors each comprising a light source group having at least one optical element with optical power;
An image forming device arranged to receive illumination from at least one of said illumination channels;
Whether at least one of the optical elements of at least one of the illumination channels is not shared with other illumination channels, and the optical elements are preferentially configured with respect to the color of the illumination channel of the optical element Or preferentially positioned,
Lighting system.   At least one of the light source groups comprises a plurality of light sources incorporated in a plurality of reflector assemblies, the reflector assemblies being preferentially configured or preferential to the color of its own illumination channel The illumination system of claim 1, wherein the at least one optical element is positioned at a position.   The illumination system of claim 2, wherein the reflector assembly comprises a reflector body formed by a plurality of hollow or solid shaped reflector portions, each reflector portion coinciding with a plane of rotation.   The illumination system of claim 2, wherein the shape of the reflector assembly is preferentially configured with respect to the color of its own illumination channel.   4. The illumination system of claim 3, wherein the reflector assembly further comprises a coating preferentially configured for the color of its own illumination channel.   The at least one light source group comprises a plurality of light sources and a plurality of refractive optical elements, wherein at least one of the refractive optical elements is preferentially configured or preferentially for the color of its own illumination channel The illumination system of claim 1, wherein the at least one optical element is positioned.   7. The illumination system according to claim 6, wherein the shape of at least one refractive optical element is preferentially configured with respect to the color of its own illumination channel.   The illumination system of claim 6, wherein the at least one refractive optical element further comprises a coating that is preferentially configured for the color of its own illumination channel.   The illumination system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of light sources and the plurality of refractive optical elements are configured such that different refractive optical elements are associated with each light source.   The illumination system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one light source group includes a plurality of light sources and a plurality of optical elements, and the light sources and the optical elements are configured to form a plurality of inward channels. .   Each illumination channel further includes an integrator disposed between the light source group of the channel and the image forming apparatus, and each integrator has an inlet end optically connected to the light source group and the image forming apparatus. The illumination system of claim 1, having an optically connected exit end.   The lighting system of claim 11, wherein the inlet end of at least one integrator includes a subdivided opening.   The subdivided aperture includes a plurality of reflective surfaces, the light source group of the channel includes a plurality of light source subassemblies, and the reflective surfaces and subassemblies are configured such that at least a portion of light from each light source subassembly The illumination system according to claim 12, wherein the illumination system is configured to be received by one of the reflecting surfaces and reflected into the integrator.   14. The subdivided opening further comprises at least one reflective coating disposed over at least one of the reflective surfaces and configured preferentially for the color of its own illumination channel. Lighting system.   The subdivided aperture includes a plurality of prisms, each prism having a diagonal surface and two facets, the plurality of prisms being disposed proximate to the inlet end of the integrator, The illumination system of claim 13, wherein the angular surface is a reflective surface that receives light from the light source subassembly and reflects it into the integrator.   The subdivided aperture further comprises at least one reflective coating disposed over at least one of the diagonal surfaces of the plurality of prisms and configured preferentially for the color of its own illumination channel. The lighting system according to claim 15.   The subdivided aperture includes a plurality of prisms, each prism having a diagonal surface and two facets, the plurality of prisms being disposed proximate to the inlet end of the integrator, An open portion is formed with a part of the end being vacant, and the diagonal surfaces of the prisms are reflective surfaces that receive light from the light source subassembly and reflect it into the integrator. 14. The illumination system of claim 13, wherein the light source group from its own illumination channel comprises a light source subassembly configured to illuminate the open portion.   The illumination system of claim 17, wherein the subdivided aperture further comprises at least one color specific coating disposed on at least one of the diagonal surfaces of the plurality of prisms or on the open portion.   At least one of the integrators has a dimension that greatly increases from the entrance end to the exit end, and the light source groups from the same illumination channel are non-radially symmetric apertures having longer and shorter dimensions. And configured to form an aperture that produces an illumination having a non-radially symmetric angular intensity distribution having a larger angular dimension and a smaller angular dimension, wherein the angular intensity distribution at the inlet end of the integrator The lighting system of claim 11, wherein a large angular dimension is substantially aligned with the greatly increasing dimension of the integrator.   12. An illumination system according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the integrators is preferentially configured or preferentially positioned with respect to the color of its own illumination channel.   The illumination system according to claim 11, further comprising a dichroic combiner disposed between the image forming apparatus and the plurality of integrators and combining illumination of at least two of the illumination channels on the image forming apparatus.   12. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising one or more of a relay optical component, a TIR prism, a PBS, a folding mirror, and a polarizer disposed between an outlet end of the plurality of integrators and the image forming apparatus. The lighting system described.   The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one light source group includes a plurality of light sources having different color gradations of the channel.   The at least one light source group includes a plurality of light sources of a first gradation, a plurality of light sources of a second gradation, and a dichroic combiner that combines the light of the first and second gradations. Item 2. The lighting system according to Item 1.   The first gradation light source emits light having a first peak wavelength, and the second gradation light source emits light having a second peak wavelength, the first and second light sources. 25. The illumination system of claim 24, wherein the peak wavelengths of are separated by about 40 nm or less.   An integrator disposed between the light source group and the image forming apparatus, the integrator optically connected to the light source group and an outlet optically connected to the image forming apparatus; The lighting system according to claim 1, comprising an end.   27. The illumination system of claim 26, further comprising a dichroic combiner disposed between the light source group and the inlet end of the integrator and combining illumination from at least two illumination channels with the integrator.   The integrator has a dimension that increases greatly from the entrance end to the exit end, and the at least one light source group is configured to form a non-radiationally symmetric opening having a longer dimension and a shorter dimension. 27. The illumination system of claim 26, wherein the long dimension of the aperture, the axis of rotation of the dichroic mirror, and the dimension of the integrator that increases significantly are substantially aligned.   A projection system comprising the illumination system according to claim 1 and a projection optical component optically connected to the image forming apparatus. A plurality of illumination channels of different colors each comprising a group of light sources;
At least one optical element arranged in one of the illumination channels and selected from the group consisting of an optical element having optical power and a homogenizing optical element, and is not shared with other illumination channels. An optical element that is preferentially configured or preferentially positioned with respect to the color of the illumination channel of the optical element;
An image forming device arranged to receive illumination from at least one of the illumination channels.
Lighting system.   32. The illumination system of claim 30, wherein at least one group of light sources comprises a plurality of light sources incorporated into a reflector assembly.   32. The illumination system of claim 31, wherein the reflector assembly comprises a reflector body formed by a plurality of hollow or solid shaped reflector portions, each reflector portion coinciding with a plane of rotation.   The illumination system according to claim 30, wherein at least one of the light source groups includes a plurality of light sources and a plurality of refractive optical elements.   34. The illumination system of claim 33, wherein the plurality of light sources and the plurality of refractive optical elements are configured such that different refractive optical elements are associated with each light source.   32. The illumination system of claim 30, wherein the at least one light source group comprises a plurality of light sources and a plurality of optical elements, wherein the light sources and the optical elements are configured to form a plurality of inward channels. .   31. The illumination system of claim 30, wherein the preferentially configured or preferentially positioned optical element has a shape that is preferentially configured for its own illumination channel color.   32. The illumination system of claim 30, wherein the preferentially configured or preferentially positioned optical element comprises a color specific coating.   32. The illumination system of claim 30, wherein the preferentially configured or preferentially positioned optical element is a refractive optical element or a reflective optical element.   The preferentially configured or preferentially positioned optical element is an integrator disposed between the light source group of the channel and the image forming apparatus, and the integrator is disposed in the light source group. The illumination system according to claim 30, further comprising an inlet end optically connected and an outlet end optically connected to the image forming apparatus.   40. The illumination system of claim 39, wherein the inlet end of the integrator includes a subdivided opening.   The subdivided aperture includes a plurality of reflective surfaces, the light source group of the channel includes a plurality of light source subassemblies, and the reflective surfaces and subassemblies are configured such that at least a portion of light from each light source subassembly 41. The illumination system of claim 40, configured to be received by one of the reflective surfaces and reflected into the integrator.   42. The subdivided opening further comprises at least one reflective coating disposed over at least one of the reflective surfaces and configured preferentially to the color of its own illumination channel. Lighting system.   The subdivided aperture includes a plurality of prisms, each prism having a diagonal surface and two facets, the plurality of prisms being disposed proximate to the inlet end of the integrator, 42. The illumination system of claim 41, wherein the angular surface is a reflective surface that receives light from the light source subassembly and reflects it into the integrator.   The subdivided aperture further comprises at least one reflective coating disposed over at least one of the diagonal surfaces of the plurality of prisms and configured preferentially for the color of its own illumination channel. 44. A lighting system according to claim 43.   The subdivided aperture includes a plurality of prisms, each prism having a diagonal surface and two facets, the plurality of prisms being disposed proximate to the inlet end of the integrator, An open portion is formed with a part of the end being vacant, and the diagonal surfaces of the prisms are reflective surfaces that receive light from the light source subassembly and reflect it into the integrator. 42. The illumination system of claim 41, wherein the light source group from its own illumination channel comprises a light source subassembly configured to illuminate the open portion.   46. The illumination system of claim 45, wherein the subdivided aperture further comprises at least one color specific coating disposed on at least one of the diagonal surfaces of the plurality of prisms or on the open portion.   The integrator has a dimension that greatly increases from the entrance end to the exit end, and the group of light sources from the same illumination channel is a non-radially symmetric aperture having a longer dimension and a shorter dimension; Configured to form an aperture that produces an illumination having a non-radially symmetric angular intensity distribution having a larger angular dimension and a smaller angular dimension, whereby the larger angular dimension of the angular intensity distribution is the integrator 40. The illumination system of claim 39, substantially aligned with the greatly increasing dimension of   The illumination system according to claim 30, further comprising one or more of a relay optical component, a TIR prism, a PBS, a folding mirror, and a polarizer disposed between the light source group and the image forming apparatus. .   The illumination system according to claim 30, wherein the at least one light source group includes a plurality of light sources having different color gradations of the channel.   The at least one light source group includes a plurality of light sources of a first gradation, a plurality of light sources of a second gradation, and a dichroic combiner that combines the light of the first and second gradations. Item 30. The illumination system according to Item 30.   The first gradation light source emits light having a first peak wavelength, and the second gradation light source emits light having a second peak wavelength, the first and second light sources. 51. The illumination system of claim 50, wherein the peak wavelengths of are separated by about 40 nm or less. A first color illumination channel comprising a first light source group optically connected to the first image forming apparatus;
A second color illumination channel comprising a second light source group optically connected to the second image forming apparatus;
An optical element disposed in one of the illumination channels and selected from the group consisting of an optical element having optical power and a homogenizing optical element, and not shared with any other illumination channel, An optical element preferentially configured or preferentially positioned with respect to the color of the illumination channel of the optical element,
Lighting system.   53. The illumination system of claim 52, wherein at least one group of light sources comprises a plurality of light sources incorporated into a reflector assembly.   54. The illumination system of claim 53, wherein the reflector assembly comprises a reflector body formed by a plurality of hollow or solid shaped reflector portions, each reflector portion coinciding with a plane of rotation.   54. The illumination system of claim 53, wherein the reflector assembly is the optical element that is preferentially configured or preferentially positioned relative to its own illumination channel color.   53. The illumination system of claim 52, wherein the at least one light source group comprises a plurality of light sources and a plurality of refractive optical elements.   57. The illumination system of claim 56, wherein at least one of the refractive optical elements is the optical element that is preferentially configured or preferentially positioned with respect to its own illumination channel color.   53. The illumination system of claim 52, wherein the at least one light source group comprises a plurality of light sources and a plurality of optical elements, wherein the light sources and the optical elements are configured to form a plurality of inward channels. .   53. The illumination system of claim 52, wherein the preferentially configured or preferentially positioned optical element has a shape that is preferentially configured for its own illumination channel color.   53. The illumination system of claim 52, wherein the preferentially configured or preferentially positioned optical element comprises a color specific coating.   53. The illumination system of claim 52, wherein the preferentially configured or preferentially positioned optical element is a refractive optical element or a reflective optical element.   The preferentially configured or preferentially positioned optical element is an integrator arranged in one illumination channel between the light source group of the channel and the image forming apparatus of the channel 53. The illumination system according to claim 52, wherein the integrator has an inlet end optically connected to the light source group and an outlet end optically connected to the image forming apparatus of the channel.   The apparatus further comprises one or more of a relay optical component, a TIR prism, a PBS, a folding mirror, and a polarizer disposed between the light source group and the image forming apparatus in at least one of the illumination channels. Item 53. The lighting system according to Item 52.   53. The illumination system according to claim 52, wherein at least one of the light source groups includes a plurality of light sources having different color gradations of the channel.   The at least one light source group includes a plurality of light sources of a first gradation, a plurality of light sources of a second gradation, and a dichroic combiner that combines the light of the first and second gradations. Item 53. The lighting system according to Item 52.   The first gradation light source emits light having a first peak wavelength, and the second gradation light source emits light having a second peak wavelength, the first and second light sources. 66. The illumination system of claim 65, wherein the peak wavelengths of are separated by about 40 nm or less.   The first illumination channel further includes a first integrator disposed between the first light source group and the first image forming apparatus, and the first integrator includes the first light source group. An entrance end optically connected to the first image forming apparatus and an exit end optically connected to the first image forming apparatus, and the second illumination channel includes the second light source group and the second light source group. A second integrator disposed between the second light source group and the second image forming apparatus; and a second integrator disposed between the second light source group and the second image forming apparatus. 54. The lighting system of claim 52, having an outlet end connected in a general manner.   68. The illumination system of claim 67, wherein the inlet end of at least one of the first and second integrators includes a subdivided opening.   At least one of the first and second integrators has a dimension that greatly increases from the inlet end to the outlet end, and the light source group from the same channel has a longer dimension and a shorter dimension. A non-radially symmetric aperture configured to generate an illumination having a non-radially symmetric angular intensity distribution having a larger angular dimension and a smaller angular dimension, thereby allowing the integrator of the integrator to 68. The illumination system of claim 67, wherein the large angular dimension of the illumination at the entrance end is substantially aligned with the greatly increasing dimension of the integrator.   68. At least one of the first and second integrators is the optical element that is preferentially configured or preferentially positioned with respect to its own illumination channel color. Lighting system.   The first illumination channel further includes a first relay optical component disposed between the first integrator and the first image forming apparatus, and the second illumination channel includes the second illumination channel. 68. The illumination system according to claim 67, further comprising a second relay optical component disposed between an integrator and the second image forming apparatus.   72. The illumination system of claim 71, wherein at least one of the first and second relay optics is preferentially configured or preferentially positioned relative to its own illumination channel color.   The first and second illumination channels are disposed between the first light source group and the first image forming apparatus and between the second light source group and the second image forming apparatus. A multidirectional optical element is further provided, and the light from the first light source group is refracted along the first direction by the multidirectional optical element, and the light from the second light source group is refracted by the multidirectional optical element. 53. The illumination system of claim 52, wherein the illumination system is refracted along a second direction by the element.   74. The lighting system of claim 73, wherein the first direction forms an angle of about 90 degrees with respect to the second direction.   74. The illumination system of claim 73, wherein the multidirectional optical element is preferentially configured or preferentially positioned along the first direction with respect to the color of the first illumination channel.   78. The illumination system of claim 75, wherein the multidirectional optical element is preferentially configured or preferentially positioned along the second direction with respect to the color of the second illumination channel.   53. The illumination system according to claim 52, further comprising a third light source group and a third image forming apparatus optically connected to the third light source group.   An inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end being optically connected to the third light source group and the outlet end being optically connected to the third image forming apparatus; 78. The illumination system of claim 77, further comprising a third integrator.   79. The illumination system of claim 78, wherein the third integrator is preferentially configured or preferentially positioned with respect to the color of the third illumination channel.   79. The illumination system according to claim 78, further comprising a third relay optical component disposed between the outlet end of the third integrator and the third image forming apparatus.   81. The illumination system of claim 80, wherein the third relay optical component comprises a truncated refractive optical element.   81. The illumination system of claim 80, wherein the third relay optic is preferentially configured or preferentially positioned with respect to the color of the third illumination channel. A first color illumination channel comprising a first light source group;
A second color illumination channel comprising a second light source group;
An integrator having an entrance end, and an optical element system comprising a first dichroic mirror disposed between the first light source group and the integrator to combine illumination of the first and second illumination channels;
An image forming apparatus optically connected to the first and second light source groups,
At least one of the light source groups includes a plurality of light sources and a plurality of optical elements, and the light sources and the optical elements are configured to form a plurality of inward channels.
Lighting system.   A third color illumination channel comprising a third light source group, and disposed between the integrator and the first dichroic mirror, the third color illumination being the first and second color illuminations 84. The illumination system of claim 83, further comprising a second dichroic mirror in combination with.   84. The illumination system of claim 83, wherein the plurality of light sources are disposed substantially along a spherical surface centered at the entrance end of the integrator, and the plurality of optical elements comprises a plurality of refractive optical elements.   84. The illumination system of claim 83, wherein the plurality of optical elements comprises an assembly of shaped reflectors, and the plurality of light sources are incorporated therein.

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